The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 season with questions about how new head coach Ben Johnson would get the ball to all of his playmakers.
More News: Bears owner ‘livid’ with CEO Kevin Warren over stadium
With DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze at wide receiver and tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland available for quarterback Caleb Williams, there was only so many targets Johnson could get to his receivers every game.
Before the trade deadline, the Bears were receiving interest for Moore.
During an appearance on ESPN at the league’s annual meeting in Phoenix, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said he called about Moore to help quarterback Josh Allen in the second half of the season.
The Bears weren’t ready to part with Moore. However, Chicago changed its mind before the NFL combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, in February.
“(Moore) was one of the guys that we called and checked,” Beane said. “And Chicago shut it down. They were trying to make a run.
“But I think they at least knew there was interest, and they reached back out when we got to Indy (for the NFL combine) and said, ‘Hey, you know, maybe we’d be open if something made sense.’ And we (were) fortunate to be able to figure that out.”
Moore made an impact for the Bears after the trade deadline, catching key touchdown passes in their two wins over the Green Bay Packers, including in the wild-card game. He also left Chicago on a sour note, appearing to give up on a route that turned into an interception in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round.
Chicago Bears choice to trade DJ Moore wasn’t easy
More News: Bears just gave Ben Johnson a gift before 2026 NFL Draft
Earlier this week, Johnson told reporters that he was emotional when the Bears chose to trade Moore this offseason.
“I got a little emotional when the trade happened,” Johnson said, via Dan Wiederer of The Athletic. “He came in and he made his rounds saying goodbye to the coaches and Ryan (Poles) and his crew. It hurts because I viewed him as one of the leaders. Yet the business is the business.
“We had to make some decisions in terms of salary cap and things of that nature.”
Johnson noted that Moore is going to a good situation, reuniting with Joe Brady, the new head coach of the Bills.
Caleb Williams sends two-word message to Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
